CMM with object location logic

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for measuring an object using a coordinate measuring machine locates the object using logic associated with the coordinate measurement machine. In response to locating the object, a controller directs a measuring device of the coordinate measuring machine to measure the object.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/166,877 filed May 27, 2016 and entitled “CMMwith Object Location Logic,” and naming Zachary Cobb and Milan Kocic asinventors, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,203,192 issued Feb. 12, 2019, and claimspriority from provisional U.S. patent application No. 62/168,457, filedMay 29, 2015, entitled, “CMM with Object Location Logic,” and namingZachary Cobb and Milan Kocic as inventors, the disclosures of which areincorporated herein, in their entirety, by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to coordinate measuring machinesand, more particularly, the invention relates to simplifying themeasurement processes of coordinate measuring machines.

BACKGROUND ART

Coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) are the gold standard foraccurately measuring a wide variety of different types of workpieces/objects. For example, CMMs can measure critical dimensions ofaircraft engine components, surgical tools, and gun barrels. Precise andaccurate measurements help ensure that their underlying systems, such asan aircraft in the case of aircraft components, operate as specified.

In use, an operator typically manually positions an object on a surfacefor measurement by the CMM. For example, that surface may be a stonebase of the CMM itself. Next, the operator appropriately positions ameasurement arm of the CMM to the object to begin the measurementprocess. Undesirably, if the operator does not appropriately positionthe measurement arm, then the measurement may be flawed.

SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with one embodiment, a method of measuring an object usinga coordinate measuring machine having a measuring device to measure theobject includes: projecting temporary indicia relative to the measuringdevice, the indicia forming a prescribed region; positioning the objectwithin the prescribed region of the temporary indicia; after positioningthe object, locating the object using object location logic associatedwith the coordinate measurement machine; and in response to locating theobject, directing the measuring device of the coordinate measuringmachine to measure the object.

The projected temporary indicia may take a variety of shapes. Forexample, in some embodiments, the temporary indicia has a hexagon shape.In some embodiments, the object has a surface with an object shape, andthe prescribed region of the temporary indicia has a target shape thatcorresponds to the object shape of the object's surface, such thatpositioning the object within the prescribed region of the temporaryindicia includes positioning the object surface within the prescribedregion of the temporary indicia. Positioning the object within theprescribed region of the temporary indicia may be done manually in someembodiments, and may be done robotically in other embodiments.

In various embodiments, the object location logic may include a locatorcamera, and locating the object using object location logic includesusing the locator camera. In some embodiments, the object location logicincludes a thermal sensor, and locating the object using object locationlogic includes using the thermal sensor; or the object location logicmay include an acoustic sensor, and locating the object using objectlocation logic includes using the acoustic sensor.

In various embodiments, the measuring device includes a non-contactprobe, and in some embodiments the measuring device includes measuringcamera. In embodiments having a locator camera, the measuring camera maybe distinct from the locator camera.

In some embodiments, the coordinate measuring machine includes aplatform surface for supporting the object during measurement, and thestep of projecting temporary indicia relative to the measuring deviceincludes projecting temporary indicia onto the platform surface, theindicia forming the prescribed region on the platform surface.

In some embodiments, the step of directing a measuring device of thecoordinate measuring machine to measure the object includesautomatically measuring the object. To that end, in some embodiments thecoordinate measuring machine includes a controller directing themeasuring device of the coordinate measuring machine to measure theobject.

Another embodiment includes a coordinate measuring machine for measuringa work-piece (i.e., an object to be measured), and includes: a measuringsensor configured to measure a work-piece; a projector configured toproject a temporary indicia, the temporary indicia forming a prescribedregion on a portion of the coordinate measuring machine; an objectlocation camera having a field of view, the object location cameradisposed such that the temporary indicia, and at least a portion of awork-piece positioned within the prescribed region of the temporaryindicia, are within the camera's field of view; and a controlleroperatively coupled to the object location camera and the measuringapparatus, the controller operating the measuring sensor to measure thework-piece after the work-piece is located by the object locationcamera. In some embodiments, the measuring sensor is a measuring camera,and the measuring camera distinct from the object location camera.

In some embodiments, the controller is configured identify thework-piece using the object location camera prior to operating themeasuring sensor to measure the work-piece. Further in some embodiments,the controller retrieves, from a memory, a pathway for operating themeasuring sensor, the pathway determined as a function of identifyingthe work-piece.

In some embodiments, the coordinate measuring machine includes aplatform surface for supporting the work-piece during measurement, andthe projector is disposed to project the temporary indicia onto theplatform surface. Further, in some embodiments, the temporary indiciaforms a prescribed region on the platform surface, and the prescribedregion is shaped to match at least one feature of the work-piece.

In another embodiment, a coordinate measuring machine includes ameasuring device for measuring an object; a projector for projecting atemporary indicia onto a portion of the coordinate measuring machine,the temporary indicia forming a prescribed region on a portion of thecoordinate measuring machine; and object location logic for locating theobject; and a controller for operating the measuring device to measurethe object after the object is located by the object location logic. Insome embodiments, the coordinate measuring machine includes a platformsurface for supporting the object during measurement, and wherein theprojector is disposed to project the temporary indicia onto the platformsurface. Some embodiments include one or more cameras. For example, insome embodiments, the object location logic includes a camera. In someembodiments, the measuring device includes a measuring camera, whichmeasuring camera is distinct from the object location logic.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Those skilled in the art should more fully appreciate advantages ofvarious embodiments of the invention from the following “Description ofIllustrative Embodiments,” discussed with reference to the drawingssummarized immediately below.

FIG. 1A schematically shows an embodiment of a coordinate measuringmachine that may be configured in accordance with illustrativeembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 1B schematically shows an embodiment of an operator interface for acoordinate measuring machine;

FIG. 1C schematically shows an embodiment of a controller;

FIG. 1D schematically shows an embodiment of an illuminated base;

FIG. 2A schematically shows a plan view of the base of the coordinatemeasuring machine and an embodiment of a projection on the base;

FIG. 2B schematically shows embodiments of indicia;

FIG. 2C schematically shows a plan view of an embodiment of the base ofthe coordinate measuring machine and an embodiment of a projection onthe base;

FIG. 3A shows an embodiment of a process of positioning and measuring anobject on the coordinate measuring machine of FIG. 1 in accordance withillustrative embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 3B shows an embodiment of a feedback process of positioning andmeasuring an object on the coordinate measuring machine of FIG. 1 inaccordance with illustrative embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

In illustrative embodiments, a coordinate measuring machine (“CMM”)directs an operator to precisely position an object to be measured, andthen measures the object without requiring the operator to manuallyalign its measuring device (e.g., its movable arm carrying a tactileprobe). To that end, the CMM has logic for projecting temporary indiciaonto the base of the coordinate measuring machine. These indicia providea visual cue as to the precise location for the operator to position theobject. A camera or other sensor then locates the object, whichpreferably causes the CMM to automatically start the measurement processof a measuring program. In response to direction from the measuringprogram, the measuring device measures the object. Details ofillustrative embodiments are discussed below.

FIG. 1 is a modified photograph of one type of coordinate measuringmachine 100 (“CMM 100”) that may be configured in accordance withillustrative embodiments. As known by those in the art, the CMM 100,which is within some surrounding environment 103 (e.g., a clean room oran area near an assembly line), measures an object 101 on itsbed/table/base (referred to as “base 102”). Generally, the base 102defines an X-Y plane that typically is parallel to the plane of thefloor 190 supporting the CMM 100. To that end, some embodiments includea table surface (or “platform surface”) 102T.

To measure the object 101 on its base 102, the CMM 100 has movablefeatures 104 arranged to move a measuring device 106, such as ameasurement head carrying any of a mechanical, tactile probe (e.g., atouch trigger or a scanning probe in a standard CMM), a non-contactprobe (e.g., using laser probes), or a camera (e.g., a machine-visionCMM), coupled with a movable arm 109B. Alternately, some embodimentsmove the base 102 with respect to a stationary measuring device 106.Either way, the movable features 104 of the CMM 100 manipulate therelative positions of the measuring device 106 and the object 101 (orcalibration artifact) with respect to one another to obtain the desiredmeasurement. Accordingly, the CMM 100 can effectively measure thelocation of a variety of features of the object 101 or artifact.

Among other things, the movable features may include a plurality ofrails guiding movable arms controlled by stepper motors. For example,FIG. 1 schematically shows a first rail 106A that guides a correspondingfirst movable structure 106B along the Y-axis of the CMM 100. As asecond example, FIG. 1 also schematically shows a second rail 109A thatguides a second movable structure 109B along the X-axis. In thisexample, the second movable structure 109B is the prior noted movablearm 109B carrying the prior noted tactile probe, noncontact probe,camera, or other measurement device.

The CMM 100 has a motion and data control system 108 (“control system108,” shown schematically in FIG. 1) that controls and coordinates itsmovements and activities. Among other things, the control system 108includes computer processor hardware and the noted movable features 104.The computer processor may include a microprocessor, programmable logic,firmware, advance control, acquisition algorithms, parts programs, andanalysis algorithms. As schematically illustrated in FIG. 1C, thecomputer processor 121 may have on-board digital memory 122 (e.g., RAMor ROM) for storing data and/or computer code, including instructionsfor implementing some or all of the control system operations andmethods. Alternately, or in addition, the computer processor 121 may beoperably coupled to other digital memory 123, such as RAM or ROM, or aprogrammable memory circuit for storing such computer code and/orcontrol data.

Some CMMs also include a manual user interface 125 as schematicallyillustrated in FIG. 1B, including control buttons 125A and knobs 125Bfor example, to allow a user to manually operate the CMM, includingchanging the position of the measuring device 106 or table 102 (e.g.,with respect to one another) and to record data describing the positionof the measuring device 106 or table 102, and/or focusing a measurementcamera on an object 101 and recording data describing the focus of themeasurement camera. In a moving table CMM, the measurement camera mayalso be movable via control buttons 125C. As such, the movable feature104 may respond to manual control, or under control of the controller108, to move the table 102 and/or a location measuring device 106 (e.g.,a mechanical probe in a mechanical CMM or a measurement camera in amachine vision CMM) relative to one another such that an object 101being measured by the CMM can be presented to the measuring device 106from a variety of angles and in a variety of positions.

Alternately, or in addition, some embodiments couple the CMM 100 with anexternal or integral computer 112 (“host computer 112”). In a mannersimilar to the control system 108, the host computer 112 has a computerprocessor such as those described above, and computer memory incommunication with the processor of the CMM 100. The memory isconfigured to hold non-transient computer instructions capable of beingexecuted by the processor, and/or to store non-transient data, such asdata acquired as a result of the measurements of the object 101 on thebase 102.

Among other things, the host computer 112 may be a desktop computer, atower computer, or a laptop computer, such as those available from DellInc., a tablet computer, such as the iPad available from Apple Inc., ora smartphone. The host computer 112 may be coupled to the CMM 100 via ahardwired connection, such as an Ethernet cable, or via a wireless link,such as a Bluetooth link or a WiFi link. The host computer 112 may, forexample, include software to control the CMM 100 during use orcalibration, and/or may include software configured to process dataacquired during a calibration process. In addition, the host computer112 may include a user interface configured to allow a user to manuallyoperate the CMM 100.

To facilitate communications, the computer 112 may be connected in somemanner to a larger network 114, such as a local area network or a widearea network (not shown). For example, the network 114 in FIG. 1 mayinclude a local area network connected to the Internet. Accordingly, thecomputer 112 may communicate with remote devices 113 (e.g., computers,servers, routers, etc.) via the network 114.

Illustrative embodiments configure the CMM 100 so that it can beoperated with a minimum of operator intervention and skill.Specifically, prior art CMMs 100 known to the inventors require that anoperator or robot manually position the object 101 on the base 102 ofthe CMM 100. The operator then would be required to manually move ororient the movable features 104, namely, the movable arms carrying themeasuring device(s) 106, to an appropriate position for measuring theobject 101. This requires some skill and can produce technical errors.Various embodiments eliminate that requirement. Instead, as discussed ingreater detail below with regard to FIG. 3A, the CMM 100 has additionallogic and hardware to simplify the measurement process.

Specifically, the CMM 100 also has a projector 117 for projectingtemporary indicia onto the top surface (102T) of the base 102. FIG. 2schematically shows a top view of the base 102 and an example of onetype of indicia (identified by reference number 200). In this case, theindicia 200 are dashes that form a hexagon. The object 101 thus mayconveniently and symmetrically fit within the hexagon—it may have ahexagonal or similar shape that fits precisely or roughly within theboundaries of the hexagon projected onto the base 200. Indeed, a hexagonis but one example of a variety of different shapes or patterns ofindicia 200. As another example, as schematically illustrated in FIG.2B, indicia 200 may form a circle 210, a bull's-eye 214, an irregularshape (e.g., 212), a rectangle 211, a grid (e.g., an X-Y Cartesian gridor radial coordinate grid 213), or other indicia that forms more thanone shape. In some embodiments, where the object 101 has a known shape,or has at least one surface with a known shape (in any case, the “objectshape”), the indicia 200 may have a shape that mirrors the object'sshape so as to indicate the position and orientation of the object whenplaced on the base 102.

In some embodiments, the projector 117 may be disposed to projecttemporary indicia onto the top surface or “table surface” (102T) of thebase 102 from below that top surface 102T, for example from within thebase 102. FIG. 1D schematically illustrated an illuminator 130 (whichmay be considered as a type of projector 117) within the base 102. Theilluminator 130 may be a LED screen or an array of lamps (131) disposedto project temporary indicia onto the top surface (102T) of the base 102(in this embodiment, from a side of the base opposite the tablesurface). For example, the base 102, or at least the top surface (102T)of the base 102 may be transparent or translucent to allow light fromthe illuminator 130 to impinge on the top surface 102T to form anddisplay temporary indicia 200.

The projector 117 may operate separately or in conjunction with a sensor118 that detects the position of the object 101. Specifically, inillustrative embodiments, a camera (also referred to by reference number118) illustratively mounted to the movable structure 104 performs afunction of the sensor. This camera 118, which in some embodiments maybe a thermal camera, has a different function than that of a camera(i.e., a “measurement camera”) that may be used as part of the measuringdevice 106. Specifically, as discussed below with regard to FIG. 3A, thecamera 118 (an “object location camera” or “locator camera”) preferablyis used primarily to locate the object 101 on the base 102. As such, thecamera 118 may have a precision that is not as fine as that of themeasurement camera. In some embodiments, an object location camera has afield of view, and the object location camera is disposed such that thetemporary indicia, and at least a portion of a work-piece (object to bemeasured) positioned within the prescribed region of the temporaryindicia, are within the object location camera's field of view.

Some embodiments may omit the locator camera 118 and instead, use themeasurement camera used as a measuring device 106 if, in fact, the CMM100 does have a dedicated measurement camera. For example, someembodiments may use a tactile probe and thus, not have a measurementcamera as its measuring device 106. Accordingly, such embodiments mayuse the camera 118 to detect the position of the object 101.

It should be noted that although a camera 118 is discussed, otherembodiments may use other types of sensors 118 for detecting theposition of the object 101. For example, the sensor 118 may include anacoustic sensor, a thermal sensor, or other type of sensor appropriateto detect the object 101 being measured. Indeed, the type of object 101being measured has a bearing on the type of sensor 118 that may beselected.

FIG. 3A shows a process of positioning and measuring an object 101 onthe coordinate measuring machine of FIG. 1 in accordance withillustrative embodiments of the invention. It should be noted that thisprocess is substantially simplified from a longer process that normallywould be used to control the drive mechanism 110 of the CMM 100.Accordingly, the process may have many steps that those skilled in theart likely would use. In addition, some of the steps may be performed ina different order than that shown, or at the same time. Those skilled inthe art therefore can modify the process as appropriate.

The process begins at step 300, which projects temporary indicia 200onto the top surface of the base 102. To that end, the projector 117illuminates the base in a prescribed manner, such as by projectingdashes that form a hexagon 200 of FIG. 2. Next, the operator manuallyplaces the object 101 to be measured onto the base 102 using the indicia200 as a guide (step 302). After the object 101 is positioned, theprojector 117 may stop projecting the image onto the base 102. Otherembodiments, however, may continue projecting the object 101 onto thebase. Rather than using a human operator to place the object 101 on thebase 102, some embodiments may use a robot having machine visionconfigured to locate the indicia 200, and accurately position the object101 onto the base using that located indicia 200.

It should be noted that step 300 is optional. Accordingly, in that case,the operator or robot may simply place the object 101 onto the base 102without the benefit of indicia 200 guiding placement.

After placing the object 101 onto the base 102, control logic withineither or both the computer 112 or the control system 108 locates theprecise position of the object 101 on the base 102 (step 304). To thatend, the sensor 118 (e.g., a camera or image system; a thermal sensor;an acoustic sensor) locates the actual position of the object 101 andrelays that positional information to the control logic. In someembodiments, the controller 108 receives information from the sensor 118and uses that information to identify the object to be measured (i.e.,the work-piece) prior to beginning measurement (optional step 305).Identifying the object may allow the controller 108 to assess whetherthe object is correctly oriented with respect to the CMM. For example,using the identity of the object 101, the controller 108 can identify(e.g., retrieve from memory 122) characteristics of the object, such asthe object's shape, or a shape of a surface of the object 101, and/or apathway for operating the measuring sensor (106) to measure the object,the pathway determined as a function of identifying the work-piece atstep 305.

After locating the object 101, the control logic causes a measuringprogram in the control system 108 and/or computer 112 to begin executingthe measurement process (step 306). Some embodiments may consider themeasuring program to automatically begin executing very shortly afterthe control logic determines the location of the object 101. In someembodiments, the controller retrieves, e.g., from memory 122, a pathwayfor operating a measuring sensor (106), the pathway determined as afunction of identifying the object 101.

The measurement program thus responsively moves/orients the measurementdevice 106 on its movable platform to the appropriate positions asrequired to measure the object 101 (step 308). For example, if themeasuring device 106 includes a tactile probe, then the arm carrying theprobe may move the probe to an initial location on the object 101 tobegin the measurement process. The operator therefore is not required tomove the arm and/or the measuring device 106 to the prespecifiedstarting spot and through its measurement path. Instead, the measuringdevice 106 is automatically moved to the appropriate spot and progresseson its measurement path based upon the positional information from thecamera 118 and nominal information it has in memory relating to theobject 101 itself (e.g., a computer aided design file of the object101).

It should be noted that because their relative positions are determinedby the action of the movable features 104, the CMM 100 may be consideredas having knowledge about data relating to the relative locations of thebase 102, and the object 101 or artifact, with respect to its measuringdevice 106. More particularly, the computer 112 or other logic (e.g.,the control system 108) controls and stores information about themotions of the movable features 104. Alternately, or in addition, themovable features 104 of some embodiments include position sensors thatsense the locations of the table and/or measuring device 106, and reportthat data to the computer 112 or related logic. The information aboutthe motions and positions of the table and/or measuring device 106 ofthe CMM 100 may be recorded in terms of a two-dimensional (e.g., X-Y;X-Z; Y-Z) or three-dimensional (X-Y-Z) coordinate system referenced to apoint on the CMM 100.

The camera 118 and projector 117 may be considered as operating within afirst coordinate system, while the CMM 100 may be considered asoperating within a second coordinate system. Indeed, both coordinatesystems are related and are coordinated to perform the process of FIG.3A and/or FIG. 3B. In illustrative embodiments, however, the coordinatesystem of the camera 118 and projector 117, however, has a much lowerprecision than that of the CMM 100. This disparate coordinate systemshould no more than negligibly impact the effectiveness of themeasurement process because the precision required to locate the object101 (i.e., the coordinate system for the camera and projector coordinatesystem) typically has less stringent requirements than those to measurethe object 101 (i.e., the coordinate system for the CMM 100). In otherwords, the camera and projector coordinate system preferably should havea precision simply to effectively place the object 101 in a generalregion/volume of the CMM 100. To ensure their coordination, however,prior to beginning the process of FIG. 3A and/or FIG. 3B, an operator orother process may calibrate the CMM to precisely align the twocoordinate systems.

Accordingly, in illustrative embodiments, the CMM 100 automatically: 1)recognizes objects 101, 2) launches the measurement program, 3) alignsthe movable measuring device 106, and 4) measures the object 101. All ofthese steps can be completed with a minimum amount of intervention by anoperator, thus reducing the element of human error, improving accuracyand measurement throughput, and simplifying the measurementprocess—minimizing the need for skilled operators. An operator simplymay press a “start” button or similar indicia 200 on a graphical userinterface of the computer 112 or a physical button on the CMM 100 tobegin the process. When the process is completed, the operator maysimply remove the object 101 and repeat the process of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3B is a flow chart that illustrates an alternate embodiment of aprocess of positioning and measuring an object 101 on the coordinatemeasuring machine of FIG. 1. The process of FIG. 3B begins with steps300 (produce temporary indicia), 302 (place object on base usingtemporary indicia) and step 304 (locate object on base) as describedabove in connection with FIG. 3A.

At step 326, the process assesses whether the object is in the properlocation, and/or whether the object is properly oriented at thatlocation. An object to be measured may have a shape that requires aspecific orientation, with regard to the CMM 100. For example,measurement of an object with a shape that matches indicia 212, asschematically illustrated in FIG. 2C, may indicate that the object 101should be oriented with its narrower end (indicated by a narrower end212N of indicia 212) facing the +Y direction.

If, at step 326, it is determined that the object 101 is properlypositioned and oriented, the process proceeds to measure the object atstep 328. In some embodiments, measuring the object (step 308) includessome or all of step 305, 306 and 308, described above.

However, if at step 326, it is determined that the object 101 is notproperly positioned and oriented, the CMM 100 (e.g., the projector 117)may display a feedback indicia 221 on the base 102 (step 327), forexample to instruct the operate or to intervene and move or re-orientthe object 101, for example, as schematically illustrated in FIG. 2C.Feedback indicia 221 may include text indicia 222, for exampleinstructing a CMM operator to move or re-orient the object 101, and/ormay include graphical indicia, such as arrow 223 to show an operator howto move or re-orient the object 101. After such intervention, forexample when the CMM operator has indicated that the object 101 has beenmoved or re-oriented, the process returns to step 304, to again assessthe location and orientation of the object 101.

A listing of certain reference numbers is presented below.

-   100 Coordinate measuring machine-   101 Object-   102 Base-   102T Base table, or platform surface-   103 Surrounding environment-   104 Moveable features-   106 Measuring device-   106A First rail-   106B First movable structure-   108 Control system-   109A Second rail-   109B Second movable structure (e.g. moveable arm)-   110 Drive mechanism-   112 Host computer-   113 Remote computer-   114 Network-   117 Projector-   118 Sensor (e.g., camera)-   121 Computer processor-   125 Manual user interface-   125A control buttons-   125B control knobs-   125C Camera control buttons-   200; 210-214 Embodiments of Indicia-   221 Correction indicia-   222 Instruction indicia-   223 Graphic indicia-   130 Illumination source-   131 Lamps

Various embodiments may be characterized by the potential claims listedin the paragraphs following this paragraph (and before the actual claimsprovided at the end of this application). These potential claims form apart of the written description of this application. Accordingly,subject matter of the following potential claims may be presented asactual claims in later proceedings involving this application or anyapplication claiming priority based on this application. Inclusion ofsuch potential claims should not be construed to mean that the actualclaims do not cover the subject matter of the potential claims. Thus, adecision to not present these potential claims in later proceedingsshould not be construed as a donation of the subject matter to thepublic.

Without limitation, potential subject matter that may be claimed(prefaced with the letter “P” so as to avoid confusion with the actualclaims presented below) includes:

-   P1. A method of measuring an object using a coordinate measuring    machine having a measuring device to measure the object, the method    comprising:    -   projecting temporary indicia relative to the measuring device,        the indicia forming a prescribed region;    -   positioning the object within the prescribed region of the        temporary indicia;    -   after positioning the object, locating the object using object        location logic associated with the coordinate measurement        machine; and    -   determining whether the object is properly positioned and        oriented with respect to the coordinate measuring machine;    -   projecting feedback indicia relative to the measuring device if        the object is not properly positioned and oriented with respect        to the coordinate measuring machine, the feedback indicia        including at least one of text feedback indicia and graphic        feedback indicia to indicate to an operator to move and/or        re-orient the object relative to the coordinate measuring        machine.-   P2. The method of P1 further including, in response to determining    that is properly positioned and oriented with respect to the    coordinate measuring machine, directing the measuring device of the    coordinate measuring machine to measure the object.-   P3. The method of P1, wherein projecting temporary indicia relative    to the measuring device includes projecting temporary indicia from    within the coordinate measuring machine.-   P4. The method of P3, wherein the coordinate measuring machine has a    table surface disposed to support the object during measurement, and    wherein projecting temporary indicia relative to the measuring    device includes projecting temporary indicia onto the table surface    from a side of the table opposite the table surface.-   P10. A coordinate measuring machine for measuring a work-piece, the    coordinate measuring machine having a table surface disposed to    support the object during measurement, the coordinate measuring    machine comprising:    -   a measuring sensor configured to measure a work-piece;    -   a projector configured to project a temporary indicia, the        temporary indicia forming a prescribed region on the table        surface of the coordinate measuring machine, the projector        disposed to project the temporary indicia from below the table        surface; and    -   an object location camera having a field of view, the object        location camera disposed such that the temporary indicia, and at        least a portion of a work-piece positioned within the prescribed        region of the temporary indicia, are within the object location        camera's field of view;    -   a controller operatively coupled to the object location camera        and the measuring apparatus, the controller operating the        measuring sensor to measure the work-piece after the work-piece        is located by the object location camera.-   P20. A coordinate measuring machine means for measuring an object,    comprising:    -   a sensing means for measuring the object;    -   a projector means for projecting a temporary indicia, the        temporary indicia forming a prescribed region on a portion of        the coordinate measuring machine; and    -   an object location means for locating the object;    -   a controller means for operating the sensing means to measure        the object after the object is located by the object location        means.-   P21. The coordinate measuring machine means of P20, wherein the    controller means is configured identify the object using the sensing    means prior to operating the sensing means to measure the object.-   P22. The coordinate measuring machine means of P21, wherein the    controller means retrieves, from a memory, a pathway for operating    the sensing means, the pathway determined as a function of    identifying the object.-   P23. The coordinate measuring machine means of P20, wherein the    coordinate measuring machine means includes a platform surface for    supporting the object during measurement, and wherein projector    means is disposed to project the temporary indicia onto the platform    surface-   P24. The coordinate measuring machine means of P23, the temporary    indicia forming a prescribed region on the platform surface, the    prescribed region shaped to match at least one feature of the    work-piece.-   P25. The coordinate measuring machine means of P20, wherein the    sensor means is a measuring camera, the measuring camera distinct    from the object location means.-   P30. A method of measuring an object using a coordinate measuring    machine having a measuring device to measure the object, the method    comprising:    -   projecting temporary indicia relative to the measuring device,        the indicia forming a prescribed region; and    -   positioning the object within the prescribed region of the        temporary indicia;    -   after positioning the object, locating the object using object        location logic associated with the coordinate measurement        machine; and        in response to locating the object, directing the measuring        device of the coordinate measuring machine to measure the        object.-   P31. The method of measuring an object of P30, wherein positioning    the object within the prescribed region of the temporary indicia    comprises manually positioning the object.-   P32. The method of measuring an object of P30, wherein positioning    the object within the prescribed region of the temporary indicia    comprises robotically positioning the object.-   P33. The method of measuring an object of P1, wherein the measuring    device comprises a non-contact probe.-   P34. The method of measuring an object of P1, wherein the measuring    device comprises a measuring camera.

Various embodiments of the invention may be implemented at least in partin any conventional computer programming language. For example, someembodiments may be implemented in a procedural programming language(e.g., “C”), or in an object oriented programming language (e.g.,“C++”). Other embodiments of the invention may be implemented as apre-configured, stand-along hardware element and/or as preprogrammedhardware elements (e.g., application specific integrated circuits(ASICs), programmable gate arrays (e.g., FPGAs), and digital signalprocessor integrated circuits (DSPs), or other related components.

In an alternative embodiment, the disclosed apparatus and methods (e.g.,see the various flow charts described above) may be implemented as acomputer program product for use with a computer system. Suchimplementation may include a series of computer instructions fixedeither on a tangible, non-transitory medium, such as a computer readablemedium. The series of computer instructions can embody all or part ofthe functionality previously described herein with respect to thesystem. For example, embodiments may be implemented by a processor(e.g., a microprocessor integrated circuit; digital signal processorintegrated circuit) executing, or controlled by, instructions stored ina memory. The memory may be random access memory (RAM), read-only memory(ROM), flash memory or any other memory, or combination thereof,suitable for storing control software or other instructions and data.

Those skilled in the art should appreciate that such computerinstructions can be written in a number of programming languages for usewith many computer architectures or operating systems. Furthermore, suchinstructions may be stored in any memory device, such as semiconductor,magnetic, flash, optical or other memory devices, and may be transmittedusing any communications technology, such as optical, infrared,microwave, or other transmission technologies.

Among other ways, such a computer program product may be distributed asa removable medium with accompanying printed or electronic documentation(e.g., shrink wrapped software), preloaded with a computer system (e.g.,on system ROM or fixed disk), or distributed from a server or electronicbulletin board over the network (e.g., the Internet or World Wide Web).In fact, some embodiments may be implemented in a software-as-a-servicemodel (“SAAS”) or cloud computing model. Of course, some embodiments ofthe invention may be implemented as a combination of both software(e.g., a computer program product) and hardware. Still other embodimentsof the invention are implemented as entirely hardware, or entirelysoftware.

Although the above discussion discloses various exemplary embodiments ofthe invention, it should be apparent that those skilled in the art canmake various modifications that will achieve some of the advantages ofthe invention without departing from the true scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of measuring an object using acoordinate measuring machine having a measuring device to measure theobject, the method comprising: displaying indicia that provide, to anoperator, a visual cue as to the precise location on the coordinatemeasuring machine for positioning the object; receiving the object onthe coordinate measuring machine; locating, with a camera, the object onthe coordinate measuring machine; determining, using the indicia andcamera, whether the object is properly positioned on the coordinatemeasuring machine; and directing the measuring device of the coordinatemeasuring machine to measure the object.
 2. The method of claim 1further comprising, prior to directing the measuring device of thecoordinate measuring machine to measure the object, re-orienting theobject.
 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising, prior tore-orienting the devices, providing visual feedback indicia instructingthe operator to re-orient the object.
 4. The method of claim 3, whereinthe feedback indicia comprises graphical indicia showing the operatorhow to re-orient the object.
 5. The method of claim 3, wherein thefeedback indicia comprises textual indicia instructing the operator tore-orient the object.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein displayingindicia comprises displaying indicia on an LED screen.
 7. A method ofmeasuring an object using a coordinate measuring machine having ameasuring device to measure the object, the method comprising:displaying indicia defining a prescribed region for location of theobject on the coordinate measuring machine; receiving the object withinthe prescribed region of the indicia; after receiving the object thecoordinate measuring machine, locating the object using object locationlogic associated with the coordinate measurement machine; and inresponse to locating the object, directing the measuring device of thecoordinate measuring machine to measure the object.
 8. The method ofmeasuring an object of claim 7, wherein receiving the object within theprescribed region of the indicia comprises receiving the object, andadjusting the position of the object to be within the indicia.
 9. Themethod of measuring an object of claim 7, wherein the object locationlogic comprises a locator camera, and locating the object using objectlocation logic comprises using the locator camera.
 10. The method ofmeasuring an object of claim 7, wherein the object location logiccomprises a thermal sensor, and locating the object using objectlocation logic comprises using the thermal sensor.
 11. The method ofmeasuring an object of claim 7, wherein the object location logiccomprises an acoustic sensor, and locating the object using objectlocation logic comprises using the acoustic sensor.
 12. The method ofmeasuring an object of claim 7, wherein directing a measuring device ofthe coordinate measuring machine to measure the object comprisesautomatically measuring the object.
 13. The method of measuring anobject of claim 12, wherein the coordinate measuring machine comprises acontroller directing the measuring device of the coordinate measuringmachine to measure the object.
 14. The method of measuring an object ofclaim 7, wherein the measuring device comprises a measuring camera andwherein the measuring camera is distinct from the object location logic.15. The method of measuring an object of claim 7, wherein the object hasa surface with an object shape, and the prescribed region of thetemporary indicia has a target shape that corresponds to the objectshape of the object's surface, such that positioning the object withinthe prescribed region of the temporary indicia comprises positioning theobject surface within the prescribed region of the temporary indicia.16. The method of measuring an object of claim 7, further comprising toidentifying the object prior to beginning measurement using the objectlocation logic.
 17. A coordinate measuring machine, comprising: ameasuring device for measuring an object; means for displaying indicia,the indicia forming a prescribed region for positioning the object onthe coordinate measuring machine; and object location logic for locatingthe object; and a controller for operating the measuring device tomeasure the object after the object is located by the object locationlogic.
 18. The coordinate measuring machine of claim 17, wherein theobject location logic comprises a camera.
 19. The coordinate measuringmachine of claim 17 wherein the measuring device comprises a measuringcamera and wherein the measuring camera is distinct from the objectlocation logic.